Madison, Wisconsin, is home to some of the Midwest’s most prominent employers, offering robust opportunities for legal professionals across various industries. With a strong presence in healthcare, education, technology, and government, Madison’s job market is as diverse as it is dynamic.
Organizations such as the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Epic Systems, and American Family Insurance are key players, requiring skilled legal teams to navigate complex regulatory and corporate challenges. The city’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and public service makes it an attractive destination for attorneys seeking impactful roles in a vibrant and collaborative community.
Biggest Law Firms in Madison
- Foley & Lardner LLP: Founded in 1842, Foley & Lardner LLP is an international law firm headquartered in Milwaukee, with a significant presence in Madison. The firm employs over 1,000 attorneys across 26 offices worldwide. In Madison, more than 70 legal professionals provide services in business law, intellectual property, and litigation. Foley & Lardner is recognized among the top U.S. law firms, ranking 45th on The American Lawyer’s 2024 AmLaw 100 list, with a gross revenue of $1.168 billion in 2023.
- DeWitt LLP: Established in 1903, DeWitt LLP is one of the largest law firms in Wisconsin, with offices in Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Minneapolis. The firm comprises approximately 133 attorneys and 225 employees, offering services in corporate law, employment, environmental law, and more. DeWitt’s Government Relations Team is noted for being the largest group of lobbyists in the state, reflecting its strong presence in public policy.
- Boardman & Clark LLP: Boardman & Clark LLP is a full-service law firm located in Madison, serving businesses, individuals, and local governments throughout Wisconsin and beyond. The firm is recognized for its commitment to client service and has been acknowledged in Madison Magazine’s “Best of Madison” list. Boardman & Clark offers a wide range of legal services, including business law, labor and employment, and litigation.
- Axley Brynelson, LLP: Founded in 1885, Axley Brynelson, LLP is one of Madison’s oldest law firms, with additional offices in Waukesha. The firm employs over 50 attorneys and provides services in business law, labor and employment, and litigation. Axley Brynelson has been recognized among the ten largest Wisconsin law firms and is noted for its longstanding commitment to the legal community.
- Stafford Rosenbaum LLP: Stafford Rosenbaum LLP is a full-service law firm with a strong presence in Madison, offering legal services in areas such as real estate, insurance, and commercial litigation. The firm is recognized in the “Best Law Firms” rankings by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its commitment to excellence in the legal profession.
- Husch Blackwell LLP: Husch Blackwell LLP is a national law firm with a significant presence in Madison. The firm offers a wide range of legal services, including corporate law, real estate, and litigation. Husch Blackwell is recognized for its commitment to client service and has been acknowledged in various legal rankings.
- Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren S.C. : Established in 1894, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren S.C. is a Milwaukee-based law firm with a large presence in Madison. The firm offers services in corporate law, real estate, and tax matters. Reinhart is recognized among the nation’s 250 largest law firms and has been acknowledged in various legal rankings.
- Godfrey & Kahn S.C.: Godfrey & Kahn S.C. is a Wisconsin-based law firm with locations in Madison. The firm offers a wide range of legal services, including corporate law, real estate, and litigation. Godfrey & Kahn is recognized for its commitment to client service and has been acknowledged in various legal rankings.
- Stroud, Willink & Howard, LLC: Stroud, Willink & Howard, LLC is a Madison-based law firm offering services in construction law, commercial litigation, and closely held companies and family businesses law. The firm is recognized in the “Best Law Firms” rankings by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its dedication to providing quality legal services.
- Bell, Moore & Richter, S.C.: Bell, Moore & Richter, S.C. is a Madison-based law firm specializing in professional malpractice defense, medical malpractice defense, and personal injury litigation defense. The firm is recognized in the “Best Law Firms” rankings by U.S. News & World Report, highlighting its expertise in these practice areas.
Madison
Legal Recruiter Spotlight: MB Attorney Search
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Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal role at one of Madison’s leading employers often requires navigating a competitive job market, where top positions are highly sought after. Working with a legal recruiter can significantly improve your chances by providing personalized insights and connections to prestigious opportunities. Madison’s diverse industries—spanning healthcare, technology, government, and insurance—create a robust demand for legal professionals. Below are some of the largest companies employing lawyers in Madison, each offering unique opportunities.
- University of Wisconsin–Madison: Founded in 1848, the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a major public research institution employing over 24,000 staff members. Its legal department oversees compliance, intellectual property, and contract negotiations. As a hub of innovation and research, the university’s legal work frequently intersects with groundbreaking developments in technology and academia.
- Epic Systems Corporation: Founded in 1979, Epic Systems is a leading healthcare software company headquartered in Verona, just outside Madison. With over 10,000 employees, its legal team manages healthcare compliance, intellectual property, and complex data privacy issues. Epic’s contributions to electronic medical records have transformed the healthcare industry, making it a critical employer for attorneys specializing in tech and healthcare law.
- American Family Insurance: Established in 1927, American Family Insurance employs over 13,000 people, including a robust legal team. Attorneys handle corporate governance, insurance litigation, and regulatory compliance. As one of the largest insurance providers in the Midwest, the company offers attorneys opportunities to work on high-impact cases and initiatives, including its sustainability programs.
- Exact Sciences: This Madison-based biotechnology company, founded in 1995, specializes in early cancer detection and employs more than 6,500 people worldwide. The company’s legal team focuses on intellectual property, healthcare compliance, and regulatory matters. Exact Sciences’ groundbreaking work in diagnostics ensures attorneys play a vital role in protecting its innovations and navigating complex healthcare laws.
- State of Wisconsin: As the state capital, Madison houses numerous government agencies requiring legal expertise. The Department of Justice, Wisconsin Legislature, and Office of the Attorney General employ attorneys to handle public policy, constitutional law, and administrative matters. These roles are critical in shaping state legislation and ensuring compliance across government entities.
- CUNA Mutual Group: Founded in 1935, CUNA Mutual Group provides insurance and financial services to credit unions, employing over 3,000 people. Its legal team addresses corporate governance, financial regulation, and compliance issues. As a prominent name in the financial services industry, CUNA Mutual offers attorneys opportunities to influence the credit union landscape on a national scale.
- Promega Corporation: Promega, a global leader in life sciences research tools, is headquartered in Fitchburg, just outside Madison. Founded in 1978, the company employs over 1,600 people. Its legal department focuses on intellectual property, international trade compliance, and contracts. Promega’s work in biotech research makes it an exciting employer for attorneys with a science background.
- Sub-Zero Group, Inc.: Founded in 1945, Sub-Zero Group is a leader in high-end appliance manufacturing. Headquartered in Madison, the company’s legal team handles product liability, corporate compliance, and intellectual property. With a reputation for quality and innovation, Sub-Zero provides a unique environment for attorneys interested in manufacturing and consumer goods law.
- Madison Gas and Electric (MGE): Established in 1896, MGE is a public utility company serving the Madison area. Its legal team addresses energy regulation, environmental compliance, and corporate governance. With the growing focus on renewable energy, MGE offers attorneys opportunities to work on forward-thinking initiatives shaping the future of energy law.
- TDS Telecom: TDS Telecom, a telecommunications provider headquartered in Madison, employs over 2,500 people. Founded in 1969, the company’s legal team focuses on telecommunications law, corporate compliance, and data privacy. As the industry evolves with 5G and broadband expansions, TDS Telecom provides dynamic opportunities for attorneys navigating these changes.
